Epirus reveals its history in very different forms of stone: in Ioannina Castle, in Zagori’s network of bridges and paths, and in the houses of Metsovo. It also has an ancient sanctuary with a large theater, as well as cheese and wine traditions. These contrasts lead from the history of a city, through a cultural landscape shaped by connections, to regional architectural styles and foods.

Ioannina: Capital and Historic City

Ioannina is the capital of the Epirus region and lies in the center of the Ioannina Basin, west of Lake Pamvotida, also known as Lake Ioannina. Today, the city is a major transport hub for Epirus. Its castle is the city’s most significant monument: its walls and buildings bear layered witness to its long history. The historical perspective extends beyond the city, too. A museum in the city center, on Litharitsia Hill, houses a large collection of exhibits from all parts of Epirus.

On Kastritsa Hill are the remains of one of the largest fortified ancient cities in Epirus. They cover 34.5 hectares and are preserved to a considerable extent and height. This gives a tangible measure of the scale of the ancient city. Dodona reveals another facet of ancient history: the archaeological site includes the sanctuary of Zeus and the large theater, one of Epirus’s best-known landmarks.

A large part of the restored ancient theater of Dodona hosts performances and other events during the Dodona Festival. Restoration work is also ongoing, and the event program may vary. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the latest dates in advance.

Zagori and Metsovo: Stone as a Connection and Building Style

In the cultural landscape of Zagori, stone arch bridges, paved stone paths, and stone steps form an impressive network. It connects villages and communities, mainly in the basin of the Voidomatis River. The structures are therefore not just individual features in the landscape: their connecting function is part of what defines this cultural landscape. The villages of Zagori are well suited to hiking. The information centers of the North Pindos National Park provide visitors with free information materials and give information about sights, observation points, and hiking trails.

Metsovo offers a different perspective on regional stone architecture. This traditional settlement in Epirus is distinguished by its characteristic architecture and typical stone houses, built by renowned Epirote stonemasons. In Zagori, bridges, paths, and steps form the focus as a network; in Metsovo, stone houses shape the architecture. Together, they reveal two distinct ways in which stone helps shape the region’s cultural landscape.

The open-air Hydropower Museum in Anthohori also brings a specific history of construction and technology to life. It includes a fulling mill dating from between the second half of the 18th century and the early 19th century, a watermill, and a mandani. These installations illustrate the importance of hydropower in preindustrial societies. Along with the stone structures, they show how different kinds of evidence broaden our view of Epirus’s cultural heritage.

Historic Routes and Regional Traditions

The Cultural Via Egnatia follows the route of the ancient Via Egnatia and crosses Epirus. Today, it has been revived in the form of the modern Egnatia Highway. The route’s description brings together a historical line and a modern transport corridor in the region, adding to the perspective offered by archaeological sites and cultural landscapes.

Cheese and wine are also part of Metsovo’s regional traditions. The Tossizza Cheese Factory produces various varieties as part of the local cheesemaking tradition, including the famous Metsovone. The viticulture and wine traditions of Metsovo are listed in the National Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece. The Katogi Averoff Winery was established to revive the old winemaking tradition. Together, these examples show two different sides of local production: a cheese tradition featuring a named variety and a wine tradition listed as cultural heritage.

Subregions of Epirus

Discover also: Preveza, Thesprotia, Ioannina, Arta.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ionian Islands, Crete, Peloponnese, East Macedonia and Thrace.

Go to the main travel overview: Greece.